IC Markets vs Plus500 Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
Plus500We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - IC Markets or Plus500?
Our pick: IC Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - IC Markets looks preferable to Plus500.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Plus500 has 4.3/5 and ranks 20.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is IC Markets suitable for?
IC Markets is suitable for traders looking for low spreads and ECN accounts and the ability to scalp and use expert advisors.
Who is Plus500 suitable for?
Plus500 is a robust choice for seasoned traders who appreciate a variety of trading CFDs and advanced analytical capabilities.
Comparison Table of IC Markets and Plus500
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | Cyprus, United Kingdom, Australia, Seychelles, Estonia, Singapore, United States |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.6 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:30 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | IC Markets Review | Plus500 Review |
IC Markets Review
IC Markets is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.
IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
IC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Plus500 Review
Plus500 is ideal for traders seeking a convenient and intuitive platform with a broad spectrum of trading instruments. It's particularly well-suited for those who value a diverse range of CFDs on stocks, indices, currencies, commodities, and ETFs. The built-in Insight+ analytics tool is a significant advantage for those keen on analyzing trends and activities based on real-time data.
Pros and Cons of Plus500
Pros
- Diversity of trading assets.
- Intuitive trading platform.
- 24/7 support.
- Built-in analytics.
Cons
- Limited channels for communication with technical support.
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
Plus500 is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | Cyprus, United Kingdom, Australia, Seychelles, Estonia, Singapore, United States |
| Regulators |
|
|
IC Markets
IC Markets operates under the regulation of several jurisdictions, including ASIC in Australia, CySEC in Cyprus, and SFSA in the Seychelles, indicating a high degree of regulation.
Plus500
Plus500 is registered and regulated in several jurisdictions by authoritative bodies. This means that the broker is required to adhere to strict financial standards and provide regular reports on its activities to regulators.
Account Opening
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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IC Markets
The account opening process at IC Markets is well-thought-out, transparent, and detailed, ensuring convenience and ease for clients. However, the high minimum deposit may deter many beginners.
Plus500
Opening an account with Plus500 is straightforward due to its fast registration and low minimum deposit. Beginners should use the demo account and Trading Academy to learn before real trading.
Account Types
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.8/5 | 2/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
|
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.6 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:30 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
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| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
IC Markets
IC Markets' accounts are mainly aimed at experienced and professional traders.
Pros
- ECN accounts
- Ability to copy trades
- Access to VPS
Cons
- No cent accounts
- No fixed spread accounts
Plus500
The lack of account diversity and market execution of orders at Plus500 significantly limits flexibility and opportunities for traders of various categories.
Commissions
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.6 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.62 | 1.2 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 |
IC Markets
IC Markets has low commissions. Fees for transactions on ECN accounts and spreads are acceptable to most traders, and the absence of charges for deposits/withdrawals and account inactivity is a significant advantage.
Plus500
Plus500 offers clients market average trading commissions.
Pros
- No commission for deposit or withdrawal.
Cons
- Inactivity account fee.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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IC Markets
IC Markets offers multiple options for depositing and withdrawing funds, but possible fees from banks and payment systems should be considered, along with some restrictions on withdrawal methods.
Plus500
Plus500 offers convenient and diverse methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, but processing requests may take up to 3 business days.
Pros
- Wide selection of payment systems.
- No commission for depositing and withdrawing.
Markets and Products
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 61 | 65 |
| Precious Metals | 7 | 5 |
| Energy Carriers | 5 | 7 |
| Soft Commodities | 8 | 10 |
| Indices | 25 | 36 |
| Stocks | 2175 | 1550 |
| ETF | 38 | 96 |
| Bonds | 10 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 21 | - |
IC Markets
IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Plus500
Plus500 offers a deep diversity of products and markets, including CFDs on currencies, indices, commodities, stocks, and ETFs from various countries worldwide.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Plus500
Plus500 offers an efficient, user-friendly platform, however, there is no choice between platforms.
Pros
- Proprietary platform
- Available on mobile devices.
Cons
- No choice between platforms.
Analytics
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
IC Markets
IC Markets provides its clients with an extensive set of analytical tools and materials, which can assist them in successful trading in the financial markets.
Plus500
Plus500 offers good analytical tools and useful services.
Pros
- Insights+
- ESG scoring
- Convenient risk management tools
Education
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
IC Markets
IC Markets offers a wide range of educational resources, from interactive video lessons to webinars and podcasts, demonstrating care for their clients and a commitment to providing all the necessary resources for successful trading.
Plus500
Plus500 offers its users quality training through webinars, interactive materials and e-books. This allows traders to gain comprehensive knowledge for a successful start and effective trading.
Pros
- Quality and detailed video lessons
- Free webinars from independent experts
- Interactive guides and e-books
Customer Support
| Broker | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Email Support |
|
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| Hotline Phones |
| — |
| Social Media |
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedInIC Markets
IC Markets provides a variety of communication channels, ensuring support service accessibility for clients. Numerous client reviews indicate the support team's quick response and high professionalism.
Pros
- Positive reviews about professional support
- Multiple channels for support communication
- Support is available 24/7
Cons
- Only international call option is available
Plus500
The Plus500 customer support is limited and not ideal, although it provides support in multiple languages 24/7.
Pros
- Support in many languages.
- Operates around the clock.
Cons
- Lack of direct communication channels (e.g., telephone).
- Potential delays in responses due to limited communication channels.
Comparisons of IC Markets and Plus500 with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while Plus500 trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our rating; Plus500 has 4.3/5 and ranks 20.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: IC Markets or Plus500?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 4) versus Plus500 (score 4.3/5, position 20).
Which broker is better for beginners: IC Markets or Plus500?
IC Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — IC Markets or Plus500?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with IC Markets and Plus500?
IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. Plus500: WebTrader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with IC Markets and Plus500?
IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Plus500: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by IC Markets and Plus500?
IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. Plus500: Plus500. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by IC Markets and Plus500?
IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. Plus500: PayPal, Skrill, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — IC Markets or Plus500 — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
